Search and rescue swimmers assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7 conduct training operations in the Arabian Sea. HSC-7 Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Seven, also known as the Dusty Dogs, is a United States Navy helicopter squadron located at Naval Station Norfolk. HSC-7 is attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, which is embarked aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) as part of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10. CSG-10 is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.
Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron SEVEN (HS-7) was originally established in April 1956 at Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia for the mission of harbor defense. The squadron, originally known as the “Big Dippers,” was later assigned the role of Anti-Submarine Warfare in support of fleet units. On April 15, 2011 Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron SEVEN was re-designated Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron SEVEN (HSC-7). From there the squadron moved to Norfolk, Virginia and successfully completed their transition to the MH-60S. At the end of 2012, HSC-7 began the first of their deployment work ups in the MH-60S.
